Despite having thousands upon thousands of paint colors to choose from, we often see the same hues incorporated into projects again and again. (Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, looking at you!) Although there’s much to be said for the classics, we wanted to know: What are some of the under-the-radar paint colors that designers long to see have their moment in the sun? To find out, AD PRO spoke with 20 experts about the less common hues that they can’t resist using in their own projects, and that they wish other designers and homeowners would appreciate just as much.
Mahogany by Farrow & Ball
“I’d have to say one of the most underrated colors is chocolate brown. I love Mahogany No. 36 from Farrow & Ball. I’m so inspired by the chocolate brown rooms of Albert Hadley and David Hicks—they’re not only classic, but sexy and cozy too!” —Mark D. Sikes, founder of Mark D. Sikes
Mayonnaise by Benjamin Moore
“I feel that yellows get short shrift these days, and while Benjamin Moore Mayonnaise is a subtle color, it lights up a room without overpowering it. Recently I used it to match the ground of a wallpaper, which is a trick I often employ in papered rooms—it gives the space a cohesive and seamless flow.” —Amal Kapen, founder of Amal Kapen Interiors
Brinjal by Farrow & Ball
“I’ve long had an obsession with Brinjal from Farrow & Ball. It evokes the color of blackberries, eggplants, and wine depending on the light. I have found that it works in rooms that get less natural light, creating a moody and romantic vibe. For rooms with more sunlight, the richness of the color brings in heft and a sense of layering that can ground a space so well. Clients are often hesitant to use this color—they are under the mistaken impression that it will be gloomy and too dark. I disagree: In the right room, this color adds the perfect touch of richness and the unexpected.” —Clara Jung, principal at Banner Day Interior Design Studio
Abysse by Ressource Paint
“One of the most underrated colors is navy blue. I love using a version like Ressource Paint’s Abysse as an alternative to black, because it’s a strong color but not too overpowering. When you pair navy blue with solid white objects, everything just seems to come to life.” —Mikel Welch, founder of Mikel Welch
Pointing by Farrow & Ball
“One of my favorite underrated whites is Pointing by Farrow & Ball. I like to use it on trim in their Modern Eggshell finish, especially when paired with their chalkier Estate emulsion finish on the walls. It feels bright and cheery due to its subtle warm red undertones.” —Sarah Lederman, founder of Sarah Lederman Interiors
Super White by Benjamin Moore
“I am partial to Benjamin Moore Super White! It seems like just another boring white paint color and can be easily overlooked as a design element, but in reality it’s truly the perfect white. It has a crisp and clean nature and definitely transforms a space in an unexpected way.” —Hilary Matt, founder of Hilary Matt Interiors
Argos by Sherwin-Williams
“One of the most beautiful colors I’ve used in a project (and quite frankly one that I believe is a sleeper) is Sherwin-Williams Argos. It is deceptively neutral when you look at it on the color deck, but when we wrapped a primary bedroom in this color, it created such a lush and soothing oasis. It is a chameleon in that it can look green at times, blue at times, and pale gray at times. I have received so many compliments on this color, and I’m wondering why I don’t see more designers use it in projects!” —Arianne Bellizaire, founder of Arianne Bellizaire
French Quarter Gold by Benjamin Moore
“For me, the most underrated color that has a bad rap is mustard yellow. I love the depth of tone it brings to any room, making even the gloomiest of spaces feel as though they’re filled with sunshine. How can anyone not be happy walking into a room painted Benjamin Moore French Quarter Gold? It is happy and uplifting, and yet, at the same time, cozy and sophisticated.” —Garrow Kedigian, founder of Garrow Kedigian Interior Design
Cooking Apple Green from Farrow & Ball
“I love Cooking Apple Green from Farrow & Ball—it’s the perfect mix of perky, happy, and sophisticated. You can use it in the living room, bedroom, or kitchen. It pairs beautifully with blue, aqua, yellow, or pinks.” —Becky Nielsen, founder of Becky Nielsen Interiors
Cavernous by Dunn-Edwards
“I love the color Cavernous by Dunn-Edwards. It is a deep charcoal gray and just has the most lovely ability to bring in a moodiness to any space. Colors like this are so underrated because oftentimes people think a dark color will make a room feel dark or sad. But in fact, I find it to be the exact opposite. A deep hue makes whites appear whiter and woods warmer: It’s all about contrast.” —Kate Lester, creative director and CEO of Kate Lester Interiors
Pebble Stone by Benjamin Moore
“Benjamin Moore’s rich, dusky Pebble Stone doesn’t get enough credit. The rosy taupe hue is incredibly versatile, pairs well with neutrals and more saturated colors, and brings both warmth and depth into small and large spaces. We’re currently using Pebble Stone on the walls, trim, millwork, and ceiling in a dressing room to create an intimate, moody vibe.” —Molly Torres, founder of DATE Interiors
Dead Salmon by Farrow & Ball
“Farrow & Ball Dead Salmon is so underrated. While the name might turn some people off, this is one of my favorite colors of the moment. A little bit brown-beige and a little bit pink. The depth of the color is both warm, cozy, and a tad bit sexy.” —Kristen Peña, founder of K Interiors
Bluebird Feather by Sherwin-Williams
“I have loved using Sherwin-Williams Bluebird Feather! It is an uplifting, playful pure blue that gives spirit to any walls and ceilings, but really sings when applied in high lacquer on cabinets mixed with satin brass or other brilliant metal finishes. Antique mirrors and polished marble complement this dynamic hue.” —Layton Campbell, founder of J. Layton Interiors
Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore
“I work a lot in old homes, and one of my favorite colors that is oftentimes underrated is Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore. It blends so nicely with beautiful historic architectural details and millwork and also feels light and bright enough to use in a new build with lots of windows and high ceilings. It has just enough saturation to not feel stark, but gives a fresh feel to any room. It’s not too beige and not too gray—it’s really versatile.” —Libby Rawes, owner and principal designer of Sharp + Gray Interiors
Pale Powder by Farrow & Ball
“Hands down, Farrow & Ball’s Pale Powder. This is a magical color that unbelievably doubles as a neutral. It’s the most interesting ethereal blue-green-gray-beige that works with almost any palette from vibrant hues to warm earth tones. It holds up equally well in light-filled rooms or spaces with no windows at all—it’s just that versatile. And it’s a secret weapon on a porch ceiling, no matter what the exterior paint color. Trust us, try a gallon!” —Anne Hulcher Tollett, principal designer and owner of Hanover Avenue
American Cheese and Nacho Cheese by Benjamin Moore
“Two warm colors I use that are underrated are Benjamin Moore American Cheese and Nacho Cheese. These are in the middle of the color deck, and at first glance seem to have a fair amount of white, but don’t be fooled by this. Once they are up on the walls they are cheerful and a breath of fresh air.” —Nadia Watts, founder of Nadia Watts Interior Design
Babouche by Farrow & Ball
“I know that yellow has got a reputation for being a very ’90s color, and I do agree that washed-out, baby layette yellow can really take the energy out of a room, but I am in love with deep sunshine yellows, like Babouche from Farrow & Ball. This is the most marvelous color for hallways. It pairs so beautifully with old black-and-white marble floors and a set of botanicals in shiny black frames. Add a beat-up antique console table, clutter it with baskets of white orchids, and let blue and white ginger jars take up the rest of the real estate! Your sunny entrance hall will beckon even the most chilled to the bone guest.” —Mally Skok, founder of Mally Skok Design
Sulking Room Pink by Farrow & Ball
“I really think pink isn’t appreciated for what it truly is and can be! My favorite paint color that I’m trying to convince every client to have in their house is Sulking Room Pink by Farrow & Ball. It’s pretty, and the perfect mix of subtle yet alive, and has a warmth that I really feel like every room needs. The color is modern with this familiar, warm feeling. I’m so obsessed.” —Shaolin Low, founder of Studio Shaolin
Jasper by Sherwin-Williams
“I am absolutely loving dark and moody colors at the moment, and one of my favorites is Jasper by Sherwin-Williams. It is deep and earthy, but has a richness in texture and green undertone that gives any room a sumptuous and rich luxury. I’m always telling clients, ‘Don’t be afraid to go bold.’ In doing so you create a calm and lovely space all around.” —Hillary Stamm, founder of HMS Interiors
Cloud Cover by Benjamin Moore
“Benjamin Moore Cloud Cover has been my go-to for years for a great neutral that can read white. While neutrals are oftentimes underrated, this shade has the perfect extra nuance of blue-gray for an added pop.” —Rebecca Hay, president and principal designer of Rebecca Hay Designs
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